An Invisible Animating Energy

Death is an inevitable part of life, and parting from a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences. While everyone reacts to grief in their own way, death is viewed as a transition rather than an end. Human life is seen as a journey towards spiritual perfection, influenced by natural forces and ancestral spirits.
Death ceremonies play a crucial role in honoring the deceased, ensuring their spirit’s safe passage, and maintaining a harmonious relationship between the human world and the spiritual realm. These rituals also aim to perfect the life of the deceased through respect and proper rites. Life itself is seen as a gift from ancestors and the universe, and living according to inherited principles is viewed as preparation for death. Spiritual balance is maintained throughout life and death, with the latter seen as an important transitional stage to a higher spiritual existence.
The cycle of life and death is interconnected, emphasizing respect for both and the balance between humans and nature. Nature, viewed as a living entity, can bless or punish humans depending on how they maintain this relationship. This highlights the importance of harmony between humans, ancestors, and nature.
This project reflects concerns about the preservation of indigenous knowledge and environmental sustainability. The loss of ancestral religious traditions risks severing the connection to these vital teachings. Michael S. Northcott, in his book God and Gaia, stresses that religious traditions have the potential to address ecological crises, suggesting that humanity's inability to resolve these issues, even with advanced technology, stems from a deeper disconnect that religion can help restore.
"An Invisible Animating Energy" has been my ongoing project since 2020. I have the opportunity to develop it into a photobook dummy on the Photobook Masterclass 2024, held at Reminders Photography Stronghold and led by Teun van der Heijden, Sandra van der Doelen, and Yumi Goto. This dummy represents a work in progress.